How to study fast AF

Richard

30 Sept 202404:06

Summary

TLDRThis video teaches how to study more efficiently by managing distractions and applying speed reading techniques. It differentiates between external distractions, like notifications, and harder-to-handle internal distractions, such as wandering thoughts. Practical tips, such as scanning text with a finger and avoiding subvocalizing, can help boost reading speed and comprehension. The video also introduces advanced methods for reading multiple words at once, and mentions a course by Jim Kwik for those serious about significantly improving their reading speed. Free resources and a paid course are recommended for further learning.

Takeaways

🚀 You can study 30% faster by dealing with distractions effectively.
🔕 External distractions like notifications are easy to control by shutting down your phone or studying in a quiet place.
🧠 Internal distractions are harder to manage, as the brain escapes discomfort by thinking about unrelated topics.
🤔 To overcome internal distractions, identify the cause of your discomfort and find solutions like positive thinking or studying with a friend.
🖊️ Using a visual pacer like a pen or finger while reading can increase your reading speed and prevent rereading.
⏩ Speed reading techniques can significantly boost reading speed without reducing comprehension.
📚 Subvocalizing (reading with the voice in your mind) slows you down, but counting while reading helps to stop it.
👀 Exploit your peripheral vision by jumping between word groups to read faster, though this may initially reduce comprehension.
💪 With practice, these techniques can boost reading speed by 1.5x, but for more significant results, additional training is needed.
🎓 Speed reading courses, like Jim Kwik's, can further enhance your skills and offer structured, daily lessons.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?
-The main goal of the video is to help viewers learn how to study faster, reduce distractions, and improve reading speed using three specific techniques.
What types of distractions are discussed in the video?
-The video discusses two types of distractions: external distractions (like notifications or people) and internal distractions (such as getting lost in unrelated thoughts).
How does the video suggest dealing with external distractions?
-The video suggests dealing with external distractions by shutting off your phone, asking people not to disturb you, and studying in a quiet place.
What causes internal distractions, and how can they be addressed?
-Internal distractions happen when your brain tries to avoid discomfort. These can be addressed by identifying the source of discomfort, such as a task being too hard or too easy, and finding a solution like studying with a friend or using positive thinking.
What is the first speed-reading technique mentioned in the video?
-The first speed-reading technique is using a visual pacer, such as a pen or finger, to scan through the words as you read. This helps avoid re-reading words and increases control over reading speed.
Why does using a visual pacer improve reading speed?
-Using a visual pacer improves reading speed because it prevents you from subconsciously re-reading words or sentences, allowing you to move through the text more efficiently.
What is subvocalization, and how can it be overcome?
-Subvocalization is the habit of reading with the voice in your mind, which slows down reading. It can be overcome by counting from 1 to 4 in your mind while reading, which prevents the use of your inner voice and increases speed.
What is the variation of the visual pacer technique mentioned in the video?
-The variation of the visual pacer involves jumping from one group of words to another, using peripheral vision to read multiple words at once. This method can increase reading speed but may reduce comprehension if not practiced carefully.
How much can someone realistically increase their reading speed with practice?
-With practice, someone can realistically increase their reading speed by 1.5 times, but to double or triple reading speed, more advanced techniques or courses might be required.
What resource does the speaker recommend for those serious about improving their reading speed?
-The speaker recommends a course by Jim Kwik that focuses on speed reading techniques. The course is included in the Mindvalley membership, which offers access to over 100 courses on topics like memory, productivity, and speed reading.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Introduction to Doubling Your Study Speed

In this video, the viewer will learn how to study twice as fast by eliminating distractions and applying three speed reading techniques. By dealing with both external and internal distractions, it's possible to boost study speed by at least 30%. External distractions, like phone notifications, are simple to handle by removing them. However, internal distractions, such as daydreaming, require a more strategic approach. The video emphasizes understanding the root of discomfort to regain focus.

🧠 Managing Internal Distractions

The video explains the nature of internal distractions, where your mind wanders during study sessions, often due to discomfort with the material being too easy or difficult. Focus expert Near AAL highlights how the brain avoids discomfort, which leads to distractions. The solution lies in identifying the source of discomfort and taking action, such as studying with a friend or using positive thinking to stay motivated.

🔄 Speed Reading Simplified: The Power of a Visual Pacer

Speed reading is compared to speeding up slow voice notes. The first technique, using a visual pacer like a finger or pen to guide your reading, can increase speed effortlessly. This method prevents rereading unnecessary words, as the pacer provides control over reading pace and helps avoid subconscious repetition of words.

🗣️ Overcoming Subvocalization for Faster Reading

The video introduces the concept of subvocalization—reading using an internal voice—which slows reading speed. To counter this, the technique involves counting from 1 to 4 while reading to block the subvocalized voice. Although challenging at first, this practice will ultimately lead to significantly faster reading once the brain gets used to it.

👀 Advanced Visual Pacing: Jumping Between Word Groups

An advanced variation of the visual pacer technique involves jumping between groups of words instead of reading linearly. By utilizing peripheral vision, readers can process multiple words at once. While this technique can greatly increase reading speed, it may initially lower comprehension until properly mastered.

📚 The Path to Tripling Your Reading Speed

To achieve even greater speed, the speaker recommends a course by Jim Kwik, which taught a new speed reading technique daily over 20 days. The course is included in the M Valley membership, offering access to over 100 courses on productivity, memory, and speed reading. Additionally, the speaker mentions a free module on speed reading and other helpful resources available in their online community and YouTube channel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Speed Reading

Speed reading is a method of reading that allows individuals to consume written information at a much faster pace than traditional reading methods. In the video, the presenter aims to teach viewers how to double their reading speed, which is central to the theme of enhancing study efficiency. The script mentions various techniques to achieve this, such as using a pen or finger to guide the eyes across the text.

💡Distractions

Distractions refer to anything that diverts one's attention away from the task at hand. The video identifies two types of distractions: external (like notifications and people) and internal (like random thoughts). Overcoming distractions is key to studying effectively, and the script provides strategies to manage both types, emphasizing the importance of a focused study environment.

💡Comprehension

Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what one is reading. The video promises to boost not only reading speed but also comprehension, which is crucial for effective learning. Techniques like speed reading are designed to maintain or even improve comprehension while increasing reading pace.

💡External Distractions

External distractions are physical or auditory interruptions that come from the environment. In the context of the video, shutting down phones and studying in quiet places are suggested methods to eliminate these distractions, which is essential for achieving the goal of studying at twice the speed.

💡Internal Distractions

Internal distractions are mental interruptions originating from within the individual's mind. The script describes how these distractions can be more challenging to manage than external ones. The presenter suggests identifying the cause of discomfort and using positive thinking to overcome them, which is a critical step in the process of improving study speed.

💡Focus

Focus is the concentration of attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity. The video emphasizes the importance of focus for effective studying. Techniques to improve focus are discussed, such as addressing discomfort that leads to distraction, which ties into the broader message of enhancing study efficiency.

💡Discomfort

Discomfort, as discussed in the video, refers to a state of unease or dissatisfaction that can lead to distractions. The script suggests that the brain seeks to escape discomfort, which can manifest as internal distractions. Identifying and addressing the source of discomfort is presented as a way to maintain focus and improve study speed.

💡Subvocalizing

Subvocalizing is the internal verbalization of words as they are read, which can slow down reading speed. The video introduces a technique to counteract subvocalizing by counting in one's mind, which helps to speed up reading by preventing the mental voice from interfering with the reading process.

💡Visual Pacer

A visual pacer is a tool or technique used to guide the eyes across the text, helping to control the pace of reading. In the video, using a pen or finger as a visual pacer is recommended to prevent re-reading words and to maintain a steady, faster pace, which is a practical method for achieving the video's goal of increased reading speed.

💡Peripheral Vision

Peripheral vision refers to the ability to see objects or movements outside the direct line of sight. The video suggests using peripheral vision to jump from one group of words to another, allowing for faster reading. This technique leverages the full capacity of the eye to read multiple words at once, which is an advanced method for increasing reading speed.

💡Mental Counting

Mental counting is a technique used to occupy the mind with a simple task, such as counting, to prevent subvocalizing and improve reading speed. The video describes how counting from 1 to 4 in one's mind can be a powerful tool to stop the internal voice and allow for a significant increase in reading speed.

Highlights

You'll be able to study at double the speed and get rid of distractions.

External distractions like notifications and people are easier to manage by shutting off devices and creating a quiet study environment.

Internal distractions, such as random thoughts, are more challenging and often occur because the brain tries to escape discomfort.

Identifying the cause of discomfort, such as tasks being too easy or too hard, can help address internal distractions.

Positive thinking, like imagining how proud your parents will be of your achievements, can help overcome distractions.

Speed reading is compared to playing voice notes at double the speed—you still understand everything, but it becomes faster.

Using a pen or finger as a visual pacer helps increase reading speed by preventing re-reading words or sentences.

Subvocalizing, or reading with the voice in your mind, slows down reading speed significantly.

Counting while reading can reduce subvocalizing and improve reading speed.

A variation of the visual pacer technique involves jumping from one group of words to another, using peripheral vision to increase reading speed.

Practice is essential for improving reading speed and comprehension when using these techniques.

To double or triple your reading speed, you may need advanced techniques, like those taught by Jim Kwik.

Jim Kwik’s course provides a systematic approach to speed reading, with measurable progress over 20 days.

The M Valley membership offers access to over 100 courses, including speed reading and productivity.

A free speed reading module and YouTube content are available for those not ready to invest money.